M.S. in Clinical Laboratory Science

Our 33-credit online M.S. in Clinical Lab Science program is for certified (BOC-ASCP) medical laboratory professionals seeking to advance their knowledge and skills, and develop new proficiencies to meet the challenges of a changing profession and health care system. The clinical laboratory science program prepares students for managerial and leadership roles in clinical laboratory services and the health care industry by expanding skills in:

While learning valuable new advanced clinical lab science skills, students have the opportunity to interact on a one-to-one basis with faculty and colleagues from all over the country and internationally through various online asynchronous and synchronous delivery modes and technologies.

Selection of applicants for admissions to our M.S. in Clinical Laboratory Science is a competitive process that is the responsibility of the program faculty admissions committee. The university places no restrictions on prospective applicants because of their color, creed, race, sex, age, marital status, or national origin. The University recognizes the value of diversity and is committed to providing appropriate support to its student body.

The application deadline for our clinical lab science program is March 1 for Fall Semester.

The goal of the M.S. in Clinical Laboratory Science program is to advance knowledge through an in-depth study of the disciplines of clinical lab science related to improvement of quality and delivery of laboratory services critical to clinician decision-making and patient care. This includes advanced knowledge in clinical chemistry, hematology/hemostasis, clinical microbiology, infectious disease, immunology, transplantation, transfusion services, emerging trends in clinical laboratory science, education, health policy, models to improve clinical laboratory services, critical analysis, and development of skills in evidence-based practice and research.

Synthesize new concepts, models and theories through appropriate application of empirical knowledge and the scientific method to help resolve clinical laboratory and health sciences issues or problems.

“The MS-CLS program has been a wise investment in my current and future career. The instructors are passionate about science in medicine and are truly effective in educating and empowering the next generation of CLS professionals.” – Regina, Class of 2017

“The MS-CLS at Rutgers was a great learning experience. I gained additional experience in laboratory management, lab QA/QC and research methods. Overall, this advanced knowledge prepared me for a career in research and management within the laboratory. I would strongly recommend the MS-CLS program at Rutgers for those who are seeking advancement in the laboratory career.” – Niki, Class of 2017

“I want to thank you for all you and the program have done for me. I have been able to take what I have learned and applied it in so many areas. With the added knowledge, I’ve been able to lead the strategic planning for my company and it looks like I have a big promotion coming my way.” – Mark, Class of 2016

“I found the MS-CLS courses academically challenging and completely relevant. I am very grateful that the degree gave me the background for my new position in the Molecular Pathology lab.” – Nancy, Class of 2015

“I want to extend my gratitude for all the support and assistance I received in the process of developing my poster presentation based on my graduate project for the ASCLS national meeting, and winning the Graduate Poster Presentation Award. It was a phenomenal experience and a true indication of the dedication of my professors and advisors. Your impact on me, in my life and in my professional experience, is immeasurable.” – Katie, Class of 2015

The majority of the online courses are offered on a two-semester academic schedule in the fall and spring, with limited course offerings in the summer semester. Fall and spring semesters are normally 15-weeks. Summer semester is 10-12 weeks.

After acceptance into the program a student may apply for transfer credit review for applicable graduate level courses taken at a regionally accredited college or university. Only graduate courses with a grade of “B” or higher are considered for transfer, and all prior courses must first meet the standards of currency, rigor, and applicability as evaluated by program faculty, whose decision is final.

Students are assigned a Department of Clinical Laboratory and Medical Imaging Sciences faculty adviser who assists with course selection each semester. In addition, the MS-CLS Program Director is available to discuss any aspect of the program. Communication is by email or conference call.

The daily or weekly workload will vary with the number of courses taken. In general, the expectation is a minimum of 9-12 hours per week per 3-credit online course. For structured courses, this typically involves logging on at least three times a week to check for new announcements, participating with classmates in posted discussion topics, working on regular unit readings and assignments (usually offline), and completing essay-type examinations or major course capstone project activities.

The University is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. There is no professional accreditation for Master level graduate programs in the clinical laboratory sciences.

The online courses are taught by experienced and dedicated faculty in the Department of Clinical Laboratory and Medical Imaging Sciences. Faculty are experts in their field with many years of professional and educational experience, including the delivery of high quality, student-centered, online education. Most are doctoral-prepared and clinical laboratory science faculty hold generalist and often specialist certification in their disciplines. In addition, adjunct faculty who are nationally and internationally recognized as experts in CLS also serve as guest faculty.

The MS-CLS Program culminates in a 3-credit, student-directed, faculty-mentored Graduate Project. The MS-CLS Graduate Project is a two-course series that spans 2 semesters and is a prospectively planned and approved research, educational, administrative, community service, or clinical activity designed to support and enhance your ability to apply your graduate experience and achieve tangible outcomes. The project addresses a practical problem or issues in clinical laboratory services and health care delivery.